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Donations Taken From Safe At Texas Megachurch

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 14: Joel Osteen promotes 'Every Day A Friday: How To Be Happier 7 Days A Week' at Barnes & Noble, 5th Avenue on September 14, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by D Dipasupil/Getty Images)

Joel Osteen (Photo by D Dipasupil/Getty Images)

HOUSTON (CBSDFW.COM/AP) — The Houston megachurch led by Pastor Joel Osteen has been targeted by thieves who stole cash, checks and credit card information from a safe worth a reported $600,000.

Police spokeswoman Jodi Silva said Tuesday that nobody has been arrested in the theft from Lakewood Church. Silva declined to speculate the exact amount stolen.

“Given the fact that Lakewood is such a large church, obviously there’s a lot more money that is taken into that church between tithing and offering,” said Silva to Newsradio 1080 KRLD. “It’s definitely a substantial amount.”

Church officials are cooperating with police and had no further comment Tuesday.

The offerings were given Saturday and Sunday, but it’s unclear exactly when the funds were taken.

“It was actually an employee and an off-duty officer who provide security for the church. They believe it had occurred between 2:30 on Sunday and 8:30 in the morning,” said Silva.

Church officials say there’s no data breach and the stolen funds are insured. Credit card information was in donation envelopes.

Church members are encouraged to monitor their bank accounts for suspicious activity.

“Monitor your bank account if you believe that a check was stolen,” said Silva. “Contact the church to find out if yours was one of the checks.”

Kelli started her career as a “one-person-band” for a television station in Rapid City, South Dakota. Since then, she’s been an award-winning television news anchor and reporter at stations across the country.
For six years, she serve...